ATIV Book 9 Plus NP940X3L - Skylake

Model NP940X3L-K01US now appears in Samsung Update under new models. The only listed OS option for it is Windows 10, thus must be the Skylake refresh.

No other versions of the NP940X3L appear for other countries yet, not even Korea.

No hits on Google yet for this model number, so we'll have to stay tuned..

 

Good find.

John

 

I am hoping it can outdo the Dell XPS 13 infinity display, because if not, I am switching over.

 

Do you mean with respect to design or quality of panel? Because if it's the latter, Samsung has Dell beat.

The ATIV 9 Plus has not had a chassis design change since its introduction a few years ago. And the Series 9/ATIV 9, which has been around much longer, has not had one either.

Personally, I feel it's time for a change, though the current designs are still pretty nice and have stood the test of time. That said, Samsung's future in the PC market has been in question for a couple years now, so they may not be willing to committ the necessary resources to redesign their already abbreviated line.

The XPS 13 Skylake version has been announced and apparently there aren't many aesthetic changes. Yes, the infinity display certainly is slick looking, but I don't particularly care for the rest of the design (I prefer unibody with premium materials). However, the XPS 13 Broadwell offered the option of a FHD matte non-touch display, so that's a huge plus for those of us like myself who can't stand glossy touch screens. No word yet whether the XPS 13 Skylake will offer a non-touch matte option.

Hopefully Samsung brings back a non-touch matte display on at least one of their Skylake notebooks. That likely wouldn't happen on this ATIV 9 Plus model because it's been their 'fully loaded' commerical model with high-res touchscreen since its introduction.

Maybe they'll do so with the regular 'business' ATIV 9 model, but they suddenly changed that to a glossy mirror display for Broadwell (with a silver colored chassis), so those changes could be permanent unfortunately. Or, the ATIV 9 could be discontinued entirely leaving just the 9 Plus, who knows..

 

what could be the changes/improvements should we expect in sky lake model?
A 4k display (I wish they go for an Amoled display as well)
8 hour battery life
Improved/better keypad
lmproved/louder speakers
an improved webcam
256/512 ssd

 

yeah, maybe a bump in res to 4K. and hopefully a switch to DDR4 ram, but not sure if the U processors will come with DDR4. from what i've read, not all Skylake chips will have DDR4.

as for AMOLED displays on notebooks - it's really anyone's guess, but don't think we'll see that for another 2-3 years minimum. burn-in has been an issue in the past on Samsung AMOLED phones, so i'm pretty sure they wouldn't attempt to manufacture 13" notebook displays until that's been sorted out. they also cost a lot more to manufacture. you have to keep in mind that the notebook industry is shrinking rapidly by the day and thus some technologies may never trickle down into a mass production market.

Samsung has actually shown different prototype OLED laptops (including transparent OLED displays) over the last 6 years or so, but nothing has ever materialized obviously. and in the meantime, their involvement in the PC notebook marketplace has dwindled quite significantly. they're primarily invested in Chromebooks at this point.

better battery life is always advertised whenever a next gen chip comes out, but you'll have to wait on real world testing before knowing however.

not sure if keyboard, touchpad, speakers, or camera would be improved from the current Broadwell version. as speculated above, such changes to those areas might only come if the chassis has been redesigned (which i wouldn't count on).

Skylake is supposed to introduce new wireless features, so perhaps a streamlined port selection will be introduced. don't know, will have to stay tuned..

 

New USA model NP940 Z5L now appears in Samsung Update.

This looks to be be a 15.6" Skylake version of the ATIV Book 9 Plus.

 

Here's what i found, of this laptop.
And indeed: it's a skylake



Windows 10 operating system
Windows 10 brings back the Start Menu from Windows 7 and introduces new features, like the Edge Web browser that lets you markup Web pages on your screen.

13.3" QHD+ touch screen
Touch, tap, glide and make the most of Windows 10. 3200 x 1800 QHD+ resolution offers a detailed picture. 350-700 cd/m² brightness. 16:9 aspect ratio. LED backlight.

6th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-6500U processor
Powerful quad-core, eight-way processing performance. Intel Turbo Boost Technology delivers dynamic extra power when you need it, while increasing energy efficiency when you don't.

8GB system memory for advanced multitasking
Substantial high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once.

256GB solid state drive (SSD)
While offering less storage space than a hard drive, a flash-based SSD has no moving parts, resulting in faster start-up times and data access, no noise, and reduced heat production and power draw on the battery.

Intel® HD Graphics 520
On-processor graphics, designed to complement low-voltage processors and quickly render high-quality images and smoothly stream videos with frugal power consumption.

Stream entertainment from your laptop to your TV
Intel® Wireless Display (WiDi) wirelessly transmits content to your HDTV* — photos, music, Web videos, Internet TV — whether on the hard drive or online.

Two 2W stereo speakers
High-definition audio with SoundAlive delivers crisp, clear sound.

Weighs 2.87 lbs. and measures 0.59" thin
Ultrathin and ultralight for maximum portability, featuring a smaller screen size and omitting the DVD/CD drive to achieve the compact form factor. 4-cell polymer battery.

Bluetooth 4.0 interface syncs with compatible devices
Wirelessly transfer photos, music and other media between the laptop and your Bluetooth-enabled cell phone or MP3 player, or connect Bluetooth wireless accessories.

3 USB 3.0 ports maximize the latest high-speed devices
USB 3.0 ports are backward-compatible with USB 2.0 devices (at 2.0 speeds).

HDMI output expands your viewing options
Connect to an HDTV or high-def monitor to set up two screens side by side or just see more of the big picture.

Built-in media reader for simple photo transfer
Supports microSD memory card format.

Next-generation wireless connectivity
Connects to your network or hotspots on all current Wi-Fi standards. Connect to a Wireless-AC router for speed nearly 3x faster than Wireless-N.

Built-in HD webcam with dual-array microphone
Makes it easy to video chat with family and friends or teleconference with colleagues over Skype or other popular applications. 720p resolution.

Backlit keyboard with 80 keys
Allows comfortable, accurate typing, even in dim lighting.

Additional ports
Headphone/microphone combo jack.

Note: This laptop does not include a built-in DVD/CD drive.

*Requires a separate wireless display adapter (not included), such as NETGEAR Push2TV, or a TV or receiver with built-in Intel WiDi.

Intel, Pentium, Celeron, Core, Atom, Ultrabook, Intel Inside and the Intel Inside logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

Specs: Details: Description:
Warranty Terms - Parts 1 year
Warranty Terms - Labor 1 year
Height 0.59 inches
Width 12.39 inches
Depth 8.69 inches
Weight 2.87 pounds
Cache Memory 4 megabytes
ENERGY STAR Certified No Devices carrying the Energy Star service mark, such as computer products and peripherals, kitchen appliances, buildings and other products, generally use 20% to 30% less energy than required by federal standards.
Ethernet None
Graphics Type Integrated
Graphics Processing Unit/GPU Intel
Hard Drive Capacity 256 gigabytes
Hard Drive Type Solid State Drive
Media Card Reader Yes
Number Of HDMI Outputs 1
Number Of USB Port(s) 3
Operating System Windows 10
Optical Drive Type None
Port Type(s) USB 3.0|HDMI|Headphone|Microphone
Processor Brand Intel
Processor Speed 2.5 gigahertz
Processor Model Intel Core i7
System Memory (RAM) 8 gigabytes
Type of Memory (RAM) LPDDR3
Video Memory Type Shared
Wireless Networking Wireless-AC
Additional Accessories Included 4-cell polymer battery, 40W AC adapter
Audio Technology High-definition with SoundAlive
EPEAT Qualified No
Graphics Card Intel HD Graphics 520
System Memory RAM Speed 1866 megahertz
Wireless Display Yes
Bluetooth Enabled Yes Connections between Bluetooth enabled electronic devices allow these devices to communicate wirelessly.
Built-In Webcam Yes
NFC Enabled No
Screen Resolution 3200 x 1800 (quad HD+)
Screen Size 13.3 inches
Touch Screen Yes
Touchpad Type Multigesture
Backlit Keyboard Yes
Numeric Keypad No
Display Type Touchscreen LED
Speaker Type Two 2W stereo
Battery Capacity 2600 milliampere hours
Battery Type Other
Color Category Black

 

Now i hope it will also be availble in the UK, so European users can also buy it

 

Here's a nice price for the NP940X3L. Did they omit a 1 in front of the 3?


I've seen no hints that Samsung are considering returning to the European notebook market. However, these new models show that they haven't abandoned notebooks completely. Maybe they will realise that premium notebooks can earn money (provided they aren't impaired by flawed software) and partly compensate for the declining margins in phones and tablets.

John

 

Rats, no USB3.1. Let's hope that reduction in weight isn't due to a smaller battery. And I hate when they call these U processors "quad core".

 

Look what I found, the model now has the label "Spin" where the screen looks like it spins around into tablet mode.



Samsung - ATIV Book 9 Spin 13.3" Touch-Screen Laptop - Intel Core i7 - 8GB Memory - 256GB Solid State Drive - Pure Black

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung...1313397801.p?id=mp1313397801&skuId=1313397801

 

The NP940X3L manual is available to download through Samsung SW Update. I attach an extract that shows the ports and the tablet illustration. While the manual indicates that the touchscreen is optional, a tablet mode without a touchscreen might be challenging to use.

I am also intrigued that the pages at the back include certification for various European countries. It remains to be seen whether Samsung are planning to sell their shrunken notebook range in Europe or whether there is bureaucratic inertia.

John

 

Do you think that there's any chance of Samsung producing a laptop without these "U" chips? Something with more power than 780Z5E?

 

See this thread. The specs for the NP940Z5L show a 90W PSU (but almost nothing else) while the driver list includes an Nvidia driver.

A quad core CPU and a DGPU might want more than 90W to run properly. At present, I see the NP940Z5L as being a possible successor to the Series 8 but labelled as a Series 9 because Samsung probably makes nothing other than premium notebooks (and will try charging premium prices).

John

 

Hmmm - guess we'll just have to wait for some more info, but the Nvidia driver could mean that it could have a CPU that isn't a "U" processor.
It will be interesting to see how good the display is compared to the Chronos 7/Ativ 8 series and whether they will have a matte screen options and also, I'm wondering if they will equip them with quality speakers.

 

Strange that they went with HDMI over displayport (or USB3.1 type C). Here's hoping it's one of the first laptops to support HDMI 2.0.

 

Dang, I was really hoping for a new 15" from Samsung.

 

There appears to be a 15" notebook on the way (see this thread) but it's more of a next generation Series 8 and not a thin and light machine.

John

 

I have owned one or the original Serie9 13" laptops for over 3 years and have generally been happy with it. It appears that the subsequent ATIV models have basically involved placing newer processors & displays into the same thin & attractive case. Going from 1600x900 to much higher resolution, adding touch, etc., but with the same 2 USB ports, micro-HDMI, Micro eithernet, etc.

The new version appears to have changed the hinge to allow it to bend back under the keyboard, which will likely result in a (slightly?) thicker overall unit. I'm trying to decide whether to replace my old unit with this latest upcoming model, or with the version currently on the market, but I guess I will have to wait for more details on this one to make my decision.

Seems that some manufacturers are already selling laptops with the latest processors, but Samsung hasn't yet... Any ideas when this might be available?

 

Samsung has now posted the specsheet for this laptop @

http://www.samsung.com/us/computer/pcs/NP940X3L-K01US

It has the i7-6500U, 8GB memory, and a 256GB SSD. Dimensions are slightly thicker than before, but still slim at 0.59". This allowed a full-size HDMI port instead of a smaller version , three USB 3.0 ports, and they went to a micro SD slot. They also added a volume control (of some type) on the side.

No details on price yet, and I wonder if it is as easy to open and substitute a larger SSD as it was with the earlier models.

 

Released and on sale at BB now.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung...lack/4525901.p?id=1219757969030&skuId=4525901

Waiting to hear first impressions.

 

I read one review on Best Buy, where the reviewer said that the 256GB SSD was not made by Samsung, and that he had replaced it with a Samsung 850 EVO M.2 drive - which uses the SATA interface. I wonder if it would be possible to use the Samsung 950 PRO drive which uses the PCIe interface. The socket is the same, M.2, for both interfaces, but I don't know if the system can use the PCIe interface. The specifications published don't provide that information.

 

The M.2 socket has various versions and whether PCIe works depends on whether Samsung provided the necessary connections. Also, the faster SSDs can run into throttling problems due to thermal management: The faster the data can move around then the more power that gets used and the more heat that gets generated. PCIe may not be appropriate for a notebook where good battery life is an important consideration.

John

 

Just ordered one from Best Buy, and it should reach in early next week. Will be pleased to answer any questions once it's here. But please be warned that my availability will be constrained by work, so all responses will be intermittent, & many a times delayed.

Till then, here is a nice recent review I came across on Youtube + a bonus vs. MS Surface Pro 4. (remember to scroll down for the videos.)
http://www.mobiletechreview.com/notebooks/Samsung-ATIV-Book-9-Spin.htm

 

Congratulations on that lovely new laptop. I look forward to your findings. As for the review you linked, you will be happy to know that Lisa Gade is active on NBR and in the Samsung forum, and just posted about the ATIV Book 9 Spin here earlier this week.

 

If only this had Windows 10 Pro.

 

If only you could purchase an upgrade for $100.

 

Due to corporate licensing I have to pro at the time of purchase.

 

Sorry, you may have trouble then. It used to be Samsung released a business version of these models, but it is difficult to understand their strategy (if any) at this point.

 

Great to know Lisa Gade's presence here. Her review is on the money.

Typing this post on my new Spin and it is everything Lisa said, and some more. The nag that the keys stay out and could keep you on-the-edge in tablet mode, is where the negatives start and end. But Windows 10 runs way better than almost all the other machines I tried out and used in the recent past. As I type this, I have my wife by my side on the the Samsung series 9 (from pre Ativ prefix days) with its glorious all-matte screen, which I will admit, remains unmatched. I upgraded this gem with 256gig ssd after an years use back in 2013. With just 4GB Ram, the old series 9 has been a beauty to behold, and still holds the crown for being the best after 3 years of daily use without a problem. Still in use (not so rigorous) running on a free Windows 10 upgrade.

Coming back to the SPIN - Could not have made this switch without the timely & elaborate review from Lisa (much appreciated). She did point out the display not being matte, but with a matte coating, which was the next best thing and thankfully works quite well. Also, the outdoor mode is a killer & lets you work even under direct sun, which I find useful when using this on the move. If you are not watching long videos and in for browsing and stuff, it works easily beyond 6hrs (@50% brightness). Keyboard is great with the best in typing experience on a machine this size. You can take my word for it, for I gave up my X1 carbon, top-of-the-line configuration (5 months old) to affirm this as a positive for spin. And it by far surpasses X1 when you add a much better track-pad on the spin. Gesture controls work flawlessly.

Adding cherry on the cake is the sound this machine makes. I had my colleagues searching for an non-existent external speaker when I showed-off the trailer of "X-Men: Apocalypse".

The fan does make a minor humming noise when pushed harder than usual, but it is not something you will notice unless in a somewhat silent surroundings, or are trying hard to listen in. Heating also has not been an issue, but with the very cold weather here now, I will wait and check performance in the summers before passing a clear verdict on this (the older series 9 never had a problem but that came equipped with 2 fans).

Will continue to use the spin as my main machine, and will post my finding and comments time to time. Please feel free to ask your questions. As long as it does not require installing some software etc, which is totally avoidable as I use this pc for my office work.

Lastly, I am hoping to find a decent stylus to use for this touchscreen. Active stylus may not be an option as understood from whatever little I have referred to online, but whatever comes closest to smooth freehand writing will do fine, since I have really taken to writing and commenting directly on the docs and designs, onscreen, with my fingers. Works very well and saves loads of time. A stylus suited for the job will help. Thanks in advance.

 

Can you guys upgrade the RAM to 16gb or 32gb? 8gb in such a model is rather weak. I use more than that on one of my VMs. I assume you can upgrade it to 500+ gb m.2 ssd

 

It looks like soldered RAM in the photo in Lisa's review which would be consistent with the previous 13" Book 9s. Given that this new notebook has only one fan then it's unfortunatate that Samsung didn't find space for more RAM. The SSD, however, should be upgradable.

John